Council to investigate ‘distressing’ odours

CLARE County Council is investigating odours in Miltown Malbay believed to be related to the local sewerage scheme.
Councillor Michael Hillery asked local authority officials what plans they have to eliminate the unpleasant odours that, he claimed, are “causing much distress to residents and business people in the town”.
Councillor Hillery made the enquiry at a recent North Clare area meeting.
According to the local senior executive engineer, Stephen Lahiffe, Clare County Council is currently investigating the cause of the odours.
“We have installed a number of additional vent pipes at certain locations. We have transferred maintenance of the pump sewer at the Church Road housing estate from the housing department to the water services section. This will ensure more regular inspections and maintenance of the pumps at the location,” he said.
“We have had discussions with a number of private developers, who have private sewage pumping facilities associated with their developments in the area.
“The aim is to provide more regular inspection and maintenance of the sewage collection systems that feed into the Miltown Malbay network,” he added.
Mr Lahiffe assured councillors the Ennistymon Area Office “is working with the environment and planning sections to address the issue”.
“Failure to comply with the requirements of Clare County Council could lead to a prosecution,” he added.